Goals..I Have This Superhero Ability To Forget Them....What Was I Doing? I Forget!

I think it's human nature to want to create goals. They have evolved over the years. A long time ago it was, "I need to hunt for dinner for my family" or "I will learn how to change this hide into clothing."
We still have those goals, they have just changed a bit. "I will work this job to earn money to feed my family" or "I am going to go shopping to buy jeans for my kid who has grown out of his old ones."

We make them all day, from little ones, "I will spend some time cleaning my house" to big ones, "I will earn my Master's Degree.

I think the problem comes in when we make the goal, and then lose sight of the reason behind them. It's hard to lose sight of ones that will have more dramatic ramifications, such as "I need to work to feed my kids." It's easier however to put on the blinders and "forget" goals that don't have short term ramifications such as losing weight, or exercise, or even college homework. It's almost as if I have this superhero ability to forget...

...wait a minute...what was I talking about?

...oh yeah. Goals!

I was listening to Chalene Johnson today, because I am doing her 30 Day Challenge. As I am listening, and having to list out my goals, I am thinking...I've had some of these goals forever. Man, it's so easy to write these goals, and then just as quickly, write them off. How am I going to stick to them? There is NO QUICK REWARD FOR THESE!! How will they ever survive my awesome superhero mental ability to FORGET??

I moved on to thinking about when I was in school...what did I do to remember those dumb spelling words? Oh yeah, repeating the word over and over and over and over..and you get the point. And now? I'm a pretty good speller...I hardly use spell check. :0)

So how do I apply that to goal setting? I have big freaking goals.

Here are mine:
1. I weigh 130 pound by the time my husband comes back in November
2. I make $1000 a month by December
3. I am Diamond Coach for Beachbody by October
4. I have 4 business building coaches on my team by October
5. I have 20 people who I am helping to change their lives by August
6. I have a popular blog with 100 followers by July
7. I have begun classwork on my Masters in August
8. I have a real house! December
9. I have actual business hours by April
10. I am getting 4 yesses a month by July of people I am helping to change their life.

No to APPLY those goals...

EVERY SINGLE WEEK I am going to write down my goals. 
EVERY SINGLE DAY I am going to say my goal that will get me all of those goals...

Here is that Ultimate Goal...are you ready?

I am changing lives using social media, helping people to reach their goals by combining three huge elements: fitness, nutrition, and becoming personally aware of themselves.

WAIT A MINUTE...what was that? What did I just do...you mean there is a goal behind all my other goals? YES! To get to those other 10 goals, I must realize there is one driving all the others.
Chalene Johnson called it a "PUSH Goal." I am pushing to that goal by accomplishing all the others..and in turn, I am pushing all the others to gain my main goal.

So here's my CALL TO ACTION for you. Why don't you contact me...and let's figure out how to get you to all your goals? I want to help you succeed. I want to see you grow. I want you to achieve more...because you can. You are amazing.

Click on the Let's Do This to get started!

Let's Do This!

Chalene Johnson. 30-Day Challenge. http://www.chalenejohnson.com/30daychallenge/members/Find-Your-Push-Goal.html

Why Coach? My Reasons

Coaching. Seems like an interesting choice right? A girl who graduates with a Bachelors in Child and Family Studies, and then she goes into some sales business. You have questions about why I would do it right? Well, let me share with you my reasons why.

I'm a Coach, and I'm proud to be one! 

Reasons:

Hours

1. I am a busy mom. I drive about 6 hours a day...6 HOURS!! That's insane right? My kids have 3 schools, three different kinds of therapies, plus extra curricular activities...and that's not even mentioning dentists, doctors, and whatever else. Coaching fits into my time frame. Would a 9-5 job do that? NO WAY!
2. I get to spend time with my kids when I want. I don't have to miss those lovely firsts.

Accountability

1. Accountability. I have to make sure I am putting in the time if you are. My teammates have to know that I am doing it too. And in doing so, I've lost 33 pounds!!! Holy Tomato!

Money Reasons

1. I am saving money to bring my hubby home from deployment for a vacation.
2. I am saving money for three months living expenses...he won't be in the military for much longer, RETIREMENT here we come!!
3. I will pay on a house payment for our first "REAL" house.
4. I will buy a camper so we can go see this beautiful country.
5. I will pay for my atrocious student loans!
6. I can do this while working on my masters.
7. I have PAID for my daughters braces for 2 Months!
8. I PAID for the gas to see my mother in Illinois!
9. So my husband to go to college for the degree he wants...not for a job he does just for money.
10. Because I will be SUCCESSFUL.
11. Because I want a HONEYMOON with my husband...we never have had one. Money has been too tight.

Dreaming and Attaining My GOALS!!!

Training

1. Because this business is totally repeatable. Meaning, our team has templates, so use them!
2. Several weekly meetings with the team, over Zoom calls. We meet with coaches all the way up the line, so we get great training!
3. Great training that works on everything from PERSONAL GROWTH, to learning about the business.
4. Training BOOTCAMP. To make sure you are started off right!
5. Facebook Groups that can answer any question you might have!
6. A COACH, who can teach you everything you need to know, or where to find it!

Learning from Leaders.

Training night. Being a part of a huge encouraging team. 

Lifestyle Change

1. I am happier.
2. I am peaceful.
3. I am confident.
4. I am BEAUTIFUL
5. For My Children
6. They respect me for what I am doing for myself
7. They imitate me.
8. They need to be healthy.
9. They eat healthier foods.
10. They are becoming more confident.

Inspiring my daughter to be something great. 

For Me

1. Because I am good enough.
2. Because I AM NO LONGER WISHING FOR IT, BUT ACCOMPLISHING IT!
3. Because I am taking ACTION
4. I WANT TO MOVE FORWARD IN MY GOALS.

Able to lift my baby after a year of not being able to without pain. 

For You

1. I am helping you become something GREATER
2. Because you are GOOD ENOUGH
3. Because YOU CAN DO THIS
4. BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN YOU

Good reasons RIGHT???? SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???
Do it with me! Don't you want to do something like this? I have seen people do this and become beautiful, to earn money for their family, and achieve their goals.

Diet? Or a Change of View?

Diet? Me? No freakin' way. 

I'm not gonna diet. I like my chips, I like my chocolate, and I love my ice cream and cookies. Why would you want to anyway? Those things, they give me a good feeling inside, a single moment of zen. Why would I get rid of that?

So let's get serious for a moment (I know, saying we might have to get rid of cookies is completely serious). Let's think of why you might want to make a change. Yeah. You. Why would you want to make a change? Here's my reason. Longevity. I want to be one of those grandmas on Facebook that say, "let's give this 100 year old a billion-gazillion likes." I want to see my grandchildren, great-grandchildren and possibly my great-great grandchildren. Would eating all that stuff, just the way they are, stop that? Well, let's see. In my father's side is heart attack, stroke, diabetes....and on my mother's side we got psychological disorders such as Parkinson's and others. Scariest of all: Cancer. Yeah. Cancer. If I eat all that stuff, will it cause me to get it too?

Well, let's think about this logically. What's the point in eating? Yeah, cause you're starving! Hmmnnn, well, what's a more scientific reason to eat? 

According to the University of Minnesota, nutrients give our bodies the substance it needs for “growth, development and maintenance for bodily functions” (University of Minnesota, 2013). So if we are giving our bodies what they need, they can then perform the functions for a happy healthy life. We give it what it needs, and then in turn the cells get what they need, and the metabolic processes are quite happy. 

However, if we do not give our body what it needs, the metabolic process does not work efficiently, and can lead to mutation and dysfunction (University of Minnesota, 2013). These mutations, and dysfunctions can cause diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity and cancers, just the things that are present in my family genes! How scary is that? 

Okay, so now we see a point to why we need to be careful with what we eat, but how do we do that? Enter...drum roll please..Eating Clean. No, it’s not about washing your food, rather instead, you are watching your food. What exactly is in that cookie from the cookie aisle in the grocery store? Can you even pronounce it’s ingredients names? How about what’s in that yum yum yum macaroni and cheese? So eating clean is basically this, you eat ingredients that you know what they are. Chicken. Lettuce, egg noodles, bananas, oranges, rice, barley, oats, yogurt, herbs, honey...and the list goes on and on. Can you picture in your head what those are? Yeah! Then you are on your way. 

 

So now we get into a harder area, what’s the right amount? If I know what a steak is, then it’s ok right? Well, let's think about that. If I were to eat a perfectly wonderful, juicy steak with just a bit of red, grilled to perfection on the outside, but it is the size of my plate...is that healthy? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a serving size for meat is the size of a deck of playing cards. Anyone carrying card around in their wallet for when they go out? If you do, let me know! I’d like to go play some Euchre or Hearts! No really, the point is, it’s hard to know exactly what sizes are best, and it’d be hard to measure it out all the time, weigh it, size it, it’s a puzzle. 

So, after seeing my dad suffer from diabetes, from a heart attack, and a stroke, then seeing my mom get breast cancer, I knew it was time for a change. It was time to make changes so that I can see those great-grandchildren. So I can even live to see my grandchildren. What did I do? I found that since diet is so important to health, and exercise as well, I wanted something that combined the two. Something that could teach me clean eating, since processed foods have been showing connections to cancer, to obesity, and diabetes. So I did my research, and went with Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix. 

Here’s the thing. It’s not a diet. What? No, it’s not a diet. I eat, every 2 hours. Stuff that I enjoy. Today I had scrambled eggs with pieces of chicken. I also had a burrito with taco meat, lettuce and greek yogurt. Last night, I had taco salad! I eat spaghetti, and I can even make pizza and I eat chips and cookies. I just make them in a more clean way. 

 
  
And the cool thing is, the program takes the guess work out of it for you. It comes with containers that show you how much you should eat. It teaches you the better choices of foods. And guess what? You get support group of people just like you, who are learning how to eat clean and exercise. 

Hmnn...what about those cookies, and icecream? What about chocolate? Well, the name of the program is 21 Day Fix. So, it’s only 21 days. That's three weeks of being super clean, and one week break! So on my off week, I let myself enjoy some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, or some chocolate, or even that Chai Tea, that I love. You know what happens though? I find that I don’t want to splurge, I don’t want to pig out, because I enjoy being healthy and feeling good more. 

One more bit that I do, I drink the Shakeology from Beachbody. Yeah, looks super expensive. I get that, I am a military spouse, I have to watch where I spend my money. I bet many of you do too. However, Shakeology has super food ingredients. Those ingredients have shown in studies to prevent heart disease, stroke, and cancers. It’s $3.50 a day for one serving. That means for breakfast, I have spent on myself, $3.50. Cheaper than that Chai tea I love and it’s spent on something much, much more healthy for me, to get me to where I want to be. 

I talk all about Shakeology HERE.

 And you know what? It gives me that moment of zen. Helping me to change my life, to make changes for the better me. Changing my view of nutrition, to a healthier, happier, longer lasting zen. 

 

If you're already eating clean, let me know how you found it, are doing with it, and liking it! If you're not, and are curious about the 21 Day Fix or Shakeology, let me know, I’d be happy to help! 

21 Day Fix Challenge Pack

Shakeology

References 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2015). Sizes and Portions. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/distortion.htm

University of Minnesota. (2013) How Does Food Impact Our Health. Retrieved from http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/food-medicine/how-does-food-impact-health

Shakeology, Worth It or Not? My Perspective

Wait a minute...what? It's that expensive? NO way! Those were my thoughts. No way was I going to do that much on a bag of protein mix. It's not worth it. I'm working off a military budget here. I mean, it's not that horrible, but compared to what I can buy at the grocery store???

So I began a quest of research. Hundreds and hundreds (well, maybe not that much, but it seemed like it!!) of websites, articles, and more of protein shakes. I mean, there's gotta be one, or some off brand that comes close right? RIGHT??!!???

I became so involved in the stress of research that I went up to my spouse and said, "it's your turn, find something cheaper that compares." I almost had tears in my eyes...well, maybe I did, I'm not gonna tell.

Here's the thing. I was so determined to become healthy, so determined to change my life, that I was willing to use a lot of time researching the best protein shakes. So yes, I'll admit it, when I couldn't find something cheaper, it brought me to tears. Did I want to spend that on myself? And what it really came down to was this, was I worth it? You may or may not have the same feelings, but deep down inside, this is what I was struggling with.

What is Shakeology? So Shakeology is a protein-rich, nutrient formula, full of vitamins, proteins and minerals. It was created by Beachbody to help people to reach their goals. The nutrients, vitamins, proteins and minerals are things that your body needs, such as protein, antioxidants, phytonutrients, prebiotics, enzymes, and many others. Interestingly, the ingredients for Shakeology come from all over the world, such as camu-camu and goji berries.

They claim that it can be beneficial for feeling better, losing weight, reduce cravings, increase energy levels, help you to be alert and focused, support the immune system, fight free radical damage, help with digestion, and many, many others.

So here’s my question, if it’s so great, then are there any people, surveys or studies to back up their claims?

First, we will start with Oprah, because well, she’s famous. She’s super into health. She does her homework. In May of 2011, the Oprah magazine featured an 11 page article on the benefits of Shakeology, and liked it! This was all without the swaying of Beachbody. That says something.

Second, Beachbody surveyed 3000 daily Shakeology drinkers, and found that 93% feel healthier, 86% increased energy levels, and 97% feel that it is good investment in their health. that’s a lot of people who seem to like the stuff.

Third, a study. A study was conducted in 2012 on 50 participants ranging in physical ability and nutrition. Participants were instructed to drink two shakes a day, for 12 weeks. Participants reported in daily. What the study found was that participants lost an average of 9.3 pounds, steadily over the weeks. Cholesterol was lowered by 7%. Blood sugar, an important issue for diabetics, the study found that the HbA1c was reduced between 5-19%.

So now I am left thinking, is the amount you pay, worth it? Well, in my daily food intake, I am learning how to do clean eating. It’s hard, and I falter a lot...I mean I did have half of a donut on Sunday. So there is a big chance I won’t eat healthy every single day of my life...I gotta live a little, I don’t think I could give up ice cream. So if I am on top of my eating, by making healthy choices, all the time, will I get all these nutrients every day? Maybe, but not likely. How about you?

 So, after a ton of debating, I went with the Shakeology. I had to budget for it.

Let’s fast forward four months. I am now 30 pounds lighter. I have energy, I have drive. I am loving myself...yeah, loving myself. Do you realize how huge that is??? I can look in the mirror and not hate the reflections and wonder if the mirror is curved like those circus funhouses. The biggest thing, I no longer and suffering horribly from GERD, or severe acid reflux.

Was it all Shakeology? No, not at all. Clean Eating played a huge part, as did exercise. You know what though? It got me to my first goal, of liking myself, having confidence, and fitting into my jeans that I detested seeing hidden under my bed. It also is helping with another goal, preventing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke that is deeply imbedded in my family history.

So, going back, is it worth the money? YES!! It is worth the money to invest in yourself! And it ends up being less than $4.00 a day for breakfast. Less than that over priced coffee and danish you've been eyeing. It’s the healthiest meal you're going to have all day long.

So worth it? Yes, and so are you! 

Ready for Shakeology ? Click Here 

References 

Shakeology Now Clinically Proven. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.shakeology.com/blogs/2014/07/03/shakeology-now-clinically-proven/

Sharpe, B. (2014). Shakeology Nutrition Facts. Retrieved from sharpfit.com/shakeology-nutrition-facts

Jones, A. (2011). Oprah Magazine Shakeology Article Review. Retrieved from http://www.amandakjones.com/oprah-magazine-shakeology-article-review.php

A Conversation

I am a personal Beachbody coach.

"You sell Beachbody products."

Well, yeah, I do. That's not my purpose though.

"No? Then what is it? Isn't that how you make money?"

Sure, but it's not my purpose. My purpose is to see you achieve your dreams, to finish the race, to accomplish more than you ever would have thought you could. To see the beauty in you, when you can't....

"Why do you sell the products then?"

Because these products are clinically proven to work. And personally proven. I'm an example of it. I've lost 30 pounds, now believe in myself and am finding the beauty within me as well. They are tools to help you succeed.

"How do you do that?"

By encouraging you. By answering any questions you have. By helping you problem solve issues that you can't see through. By being there when you think all is lost, or cheering you on.
That's what my coach is to me, and what I want to be for you.

Are you ready? Cause I am.

2015, the year that I questioned every single month, wondering how much worse can it get...bad question, and not hard enough wood to knock on. The hits just kept on coming.
In August, I decided enough is enough. It was a soft decision, in which, I didn't fully believe that it would really work, but I took a chance and went for it.
Now, 30 pounds lighter in body as well in spirit, I am ready to take on the world. I am happier, I have more energy. I especially have more confidence. Hits will keep on coming, but I know how to jump back up and fight back.
You are on the edge of a cliff, and on the bottom of that ravine, is your dreams.  Do you just stand there? Or do you take that leap of faith? Your parachute will eventually open, maybe not right away, but eventually you will get to those dreams, and they will become your reality. Or you can just sit there on the edge, wishing you had the strength to leap.
I am a Beachbody Coach. I love what I do. I encourage others to take that leap. Are you ready to jump?